Sunday, August 7, 2011

Papanasam Beach, Varkala Kerala : Location, Introduction, How to reach, Climate, Major Attraction ( Shree Janardhana Swamy temple etc) , Hotels

Varkala is a town in the Indian state of Kerala, about 50km north of Trivandrum and is home of the popular Papanasam Beach. Also, the Samadhi of Kerala's saint Sree Narayana Guru is situated in this town and hence has become a place of pilgrimage.

By car
Varkala is linked by state and national highways to all the major cities in Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka.
By Air
The nearest International Airport is Trivandrum.
By bus
State Transport Buses are available from Trivandrum. Bus service available from Varkala to many parts of South Kerala and Kanyakumari
By train
Varkala is also connected by Rail Network. If coming from Trivandrum and Cochin, the better option will be coming by Train. Almost all trains passing by stops at Varkala. From Varkala Railway Station, Taxis and Auto Rickshaws can be hired. Papanasam Beach is around 5km from Varkala Railway Station.( Rs 40/50 by Auto Rickshaw)

Average temperature in Varkala in Celsius.
Summer(Humid): Mar - May: 25°c-33°c / Summer Max: 35°c.
Monsoon(Cloudy): Jun-mid - Sep: 21°c-27°c / Winter Min: 15°c.
Winter(Pleasant): Sep - Feb: 22°c-28°c.
Rainfall: 310 cm.
The beach makes a good choice for those willing to escape from their hectic work schedule and spend a few days in perfect relaxation. When compared to the other beaches, Varkala beach is much quieter and free from the madding crowd. Nothing can be more enthralling than lazing out in Varkala Kerala and enjoying the scenic views with Kerala backwater.
Varkala beach in Kerala includes a wealth of attractions for the tourists to explore. Located close to the beach, there is a mineral spring with medicinal properties. In fact, people across the globe consider this to be sacred and come here to drink and bathe in the same. Also referred to as Papanasam Beach, it is also believed that by taking a bath here, one can get rid of his/her sins. Another attraction located close by and worth noting is the Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple. Besides, a natural cure clinic is also located at an arm’s reach from the beach.

The lush green landscaped surrounding the beach deserves a mention as well. Be it the rocky cliff ends or the un-spoilt sandy stretches, everything about this beach is enticing. The difference between the sea, sand and cliffs adds to the striking sight of the beach. Beach lovers with an eye for scenic beauty cannot help but praise the breathtaking view of the sun sinking into the sky similar to that of a ball of molten gold.

Besides being a tourist hub, it also makes a great pilgrimage destination. The formerly mentioned Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is frequently visited by devotees round the year. Millions of devotees make it a point to plan there visit here and offer 'Vavu Bali', to show respect to their near and dear one who have left for the heavenly abode.

Shree Janardhana Swamy temple.
It is 2000 years old. Varkala has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century. The Janardhana Temple was built during this period and many Hindu's still visit Varkala to this day, for this very reason. The Varkala sands has become an ideal spot for confluence of cultures exotic and alien. Varkala also houses a leading pilgrim centre in Kerala. The temple, dedicated to Vishnu and Hanuman, atop the hill has brought a sobriquet for the region, Southern Kasi (Benares). Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner sanctum but can hang around the temple.

Sivagiri. Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), saint, social reformer, philosopher and leader of Ezhava community, made Varkala his headquarters. Sivagiri mutt, instituted by Sree Narayana Guru, is another major pilgrim centre here.


Nature Care Centre. Papanasam.
East West University of Brahmavidya. Established by Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati, Disciple of Nataraja Guru.
Narayana Gurukula. Established by Nataraja Guru.
Varkala Tunnel. Built by the British in 1880.
Fishing Hamlets of Anjengo and its British Fort.
Coir Processing Centres. In the Backwaters of Akathumuri, Kadakkavur.
Edava Beach . Beautiful and serene beaches where you can bask in the sun and salubrious climate. In fact Edava beaches are yet to be explored by the tourists. If you go further towards Kappil you will find blue lagoon, where sea and backwaters running parallel divided by a more-than-one km of straight road. There is also an estuary that connect the sea with the backwaters here.

  • The Gateway Hotel,Varkala
  • Deshadan Beach Resort,Varkala
  • Karthika Plaza Resort,Varkala
  • SS Beach Resort,Varkala
  • Varkala Marine Palace,VarkalaSea Pearl Chalets,Varkala
  • Green Palace Seaside Hotel,Varkala
  • Anandan Tourist Home,Varkala
  • Blooming Bay Beach,Varkala
  • Preeth Resort, Varkala,Varkala
  • Panchavadi Beach Resort,Varkala
  • Eden Garden,Varkala

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